There is nothing more important when dealing with commercial roofing than a fine roofing contractor. A well-constructed roof represents a great investment that protects your business from rain, keeps your energy efficiency on the rise, and enhances the look of your building.
But if there are so many local roofing contractor Jacksonville, how do you pick the best one of your choice? Here’s your ultimate guide on what you should do to identify the best commercial roofing contractor Jacksonville for your needs.
Assess Your Commercial Roofing Needs
Before starting your search, you will need to know exactly what you are looking for: a commercial roofing project can be anywhere from simple repair work to an entire roof replacement, and sometimes even ongoing maintenance. Knowing what type of roofing material you wish to install, such as TPO, EPDM, or metal roofing, in addition to the size and complexity of the project, will give you a better idea of what to look for in a quality contractor.
Seek Expertise and Experience
Commercial roofing experience is a thing that goes a long way. Ensure the contractors have experience dealing with projects of similar scale and type, that you are inquiring about. Roofing experience isn’t merely numbers; it is expertise concerning a particular material type, climate, or building structure that can save you much more.
Important Things to Look At:
- Years in business: The contractor with a number of years under his belt will know the weather habits of the region, the building codes, and common problems about the roof.
- Specialization: Ensure that the contractor is experienced in the type of roof you are looking to install, be it metal, flat, or another type of commercial roofing system.
Any such legitimate roofing contractor should be licensed and insured in your locality. This protects you against any liability during the project in case accidents or property damage occurs.
Qualifications Measured Per Minimum Requirements:
- Licensing: A professional roofer should be licensed by your state or city municipality. A license proves that he has met specific qualifying conditions set by various industries and is authorized to conduct the work.
- Insurance: Check that the roofer has both general liability and worker’s compensation insurance. This will cover you in case there are accidents or damage that should occur while a contractor works on your roof.
- Manufacturer Certifications: Most roofers are certified by manufacturers as competent in the installation of their products. This is evidence of competency, and in many cases, it means additional warranty coverage.
Read Reviews and Ask for References
In roofing, word of mouth is everything. Search online and check reviews, ratings, and testimonials for what clients have to say about workmanship and customer service.
- Online Reviews: Google reviews, BBB ratings, and specialized roofing contractor platforms like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor.
- References: Ask them to provide some references for some of their past commercial roofing endeavors. Interview these former customers and know if this contractor really is reliable, if the work that he or she performs is quality work, and if they complete their tasks as timely as they can also complete them according to budget.
Get Detailed Estimates
Price is always a critical factor, but it should not be the only one. Low bid sometimes implies substandard materials and hastily rushed labor; therefore, such must be outlined in detail: estimates must divide material costs from labor and other added costs.
What to Look for in an Estimate:
- Material costs: The contractor must clearly indicate the type and brand of material being used.
- Labor: Make sure the labor charge is commensurate with the complexity of the project you want done.
- Timeline: The contractor should provide you with a timeline as to when the job will begin and end.
- Warranty: Ask for both the manufacturer warranty of the materials and warranty of the workmanship from the contractor.
Confirm Safety Practices and Compliance
Roofing can be dangerous, and safety should always come first in hiring a contractor. Ensure that your contractor complies with all OSHA requirements and that appropriate safety equipment and practices are involved in the job.
Safety Checkpoints
- Training: Does the contractor train his staff periodically on the latest practices with regards to safety?
- Safety Gear: Does he make use of fall protection equipment, harnesses, among others during the job?
Evaluate Communication and Professionalism
The communication of the contractor and their professionalism indicate signs of the general service quality. From the preconstruction consultation right through to the final inspection, you would like to hire a contractor who responds promptly and keeps things transparent with professionalism at every touch point.
Good Practice in Communication:
- Clarity: Do they clearly explain the project steps and dispel any fears you may have with it?
- Openness: Are they honest and open about what the potential pitfalls or added costs will be?
Conclusion
Choosing a commercial roofing contractor is one very serious decision that will definitely pose long-term implications on the structure of your building and, by extension, the success of your business. Taking your time and evaluating experience, checking credentials, reading reviews, and understanding the scope of a project, you can hire a contractor to deliver good quality results.
At JEBCO Weather Defense, we look out for safety, quality, and satisfaction for our customers in all of our commercial roofing endeavors. Contact today for a detailed consultation and let their experienced roofing contractors help protect your business from the elements with a durable, high-performance roof.
